Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is reportedly in Buenos Aires today for talks with Martino, who led Newell's Old Boys to the Argentinian Clausura title last season but recently severed ties with the club.

And four-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi would appear to support such an appointment.

He told Diario Ole: "I like Tata Martino. He is a great coach and he showed that in the Clausura with what he did for the team, the way it ended and how he did it. He gets his teams playing well and we all respect him."

The Catalan club announced on Friday night that 44-year-old Vilanova was stepping down as he continues his battle with cancer.

Former Paraguay coach Martino has been heavily tipped to take over ahead of the likes of Andre Villas-Boas, Michael Laudrup, Marcelo Bielsa, Luis Enrique and Rubi.

Feyenoord coach Ronald Koeman ruled himself out of contention to succeed Vilanova after Sunday's pre-season friendly draw against Dordrecht.

Quoted in the Dutch press, the former Barca and Holland defender said: "That is absolutely not on the cards for me.

"I do not know who it should be. It's not something that affects me now. I'm more worried about the disease Vilanova has."

Barca president Sandro Rosell said on Friday night that the club expect to make an announcement on Vilanova's replacement in the coming days.

Readers' Comments

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?